Up Front: A New Website, A New Mission
By Douglas G. Franklin
MSAA President and CEO
I have many new and exciting changes to announce for MSAA! These important initiatives have been in development for the past year, and appropriately for the spring season, have recently come to fruition.
The first item I want to announce is our new mission statement: “The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America is a leading resource for the entire MS community, improving lives today through vital services and support.” We also have a new tagline: “Improving Lives Today!” And finally, I am pleased to announce the launch of our new, user-friendly website at mymsaa.org. All of these exciting developments will help us to build awareness of not only MS, but also the important services and support that we provide to the MS community.
The launch of our completely redesigned and rewritten website, at mymsaa.org, was a significant accomplishment. This offers easy-to-navigate sections, with highlights such as:
A new homepage featuring an MS newsfeed, social media plugins, direct links to MSAA’s award-winning magazine, The Motivator, and our most recent MS Research Update, plus a full array of other options
An updated About MS section with information on disease-modifying treatments and symptom management; an overview covering topics such as who gets MS, types of MS, and what may cause MS; basic information for individuals who are newly diagnosed; and much more
A new section titled Manage Your MS gives full details on MSAA’s Shared Management Tools (My MS Manager™, My MS Resource Locator, and S.E.A.R.C.H.™), as well as provides information on maintaining overall wellness when living with MS
Our new website also features: “MS Conversations,” MSAA’s blog for members of the MS community to exchange viewpoints and offer support; an extensive library of information – including MSAA’s published materials and MSi educational videos; access to information about all of MSAA’s programs and services (along with their applications); a calendar of events for MSAA activities across the nation; and more. Please be sure to visit our new website often!
In other MSAA news, as many of you know, Swim for MS is MSAA’s signature volunteer fundraising event! This program now features four-time Olympic Gold Medal Winner (and my niece) Missy Franklin as our Swim for MS Ambassador. Swim for MS provides the opportunity for anyone to create and arrange his or her own special Swim activity.
Anyone interested in participating may do so individually or recruit other swim enthusiasts to form a team. You will find several examples of creative ways to be a part of Swim for MS at www.SwimForMS.org. Most recently, two collegiate swimming programs, Seton Hall University and Ramapo College, hosted Swim for MS events during their Senior Day celebrations.
Both groups raised money for MSAA through their Swim for MS events. Seton Hall sold snacks at a stand during the meet, with all proceeds going to MSAA. Ramapo had a table where donations were collected directly from spectators who attended the meet. Many thanks for their efforts in raising much-needed donations for MSAA’s programs and services.
Now is the time to dive into action by signing up for Swim for MS!
Doug Franklin joined MSAA as President & CEO in 1999. He has a distinguished career in nonprofit leadership and is a former national trainer in strategic planning for the Peter Drucker Foundation. A published international expert in social marketing and corporate social investment, he is a graduate of four universities. He currently serves on the National Board of the Key Philanthropic Organizations Committee of the American Society of Association Executives; on the Executive Committee of Health First – America’s Charities Board in Washington, DC; and as President of the Multiple Sclerosis Coalition.